Why Oct. 18 Is Now A Big Deal

July 28, 2009
Jul
28
Top 0Comments

First, a little perspective as the Michael Vick story takes hold of the headlines for the foreseeable future. When it comes to matters of reinstatement, SportsNation thinks whatever happens with Pete Rose will have more to do with Bud Selig's legacy than the Vick situation does with Roger Goodell's legacy. And frankly, it's not even close.

But since it appears Rose's reinstatement chances rate somewhere behind Vick's chances of winning NFL MVP this season, to the quarterback we go. Strange as it seems, spending 18 months in a federal prison, additional time under home confinement and apologizing to Goodell for lying to him may have been the easy part of Vick's journey back to the NFL. It's a popular refrain in this economy, but the hard part will be finding a job.

Take a look at any of the conversations accompanying Vick stories and it's easy to see SportsNation's passions run high on all sides of the issues. But through all the noise, a consensus seems to be building on at least a few fronts that it's time to move on and let the guy make or break his own fate -- and if it happens to be with your team, all the better.

And to wrap this up where we began, with a little perspective on the scope of this story, consider that when it comes to whether Vick or Brett Favre would be a bigger training camp distraction, it's closer than might be expected from the current hubbub. Apparently SportsNation rates perpetual annoyance only slightly behind moral debates.

03cobrachris
“

Vick has paid his personal debt for the crimes he committed. For the NFL to act like a Probation Officer and conditionally reinstate him is wrong. Let him play this year or not. Bottom line. I'm an avid dog lover and owner that was disturbed by his actions but I do believe we are a nation of second chances and forgiveness and if Vick lives his life from here on as if he is truly remorseful for the heinous crimes he spent two years in jail for, let him play today.

” -- 03COBRACHRIS
the_philster
“

reinstating a convicted felon was an idiotic move. Goodell could've made a bold statement to the world in saying that hardened criminals don't belong in professional sports...The Commissioner has had 2 bone-headed decisions in a row...1st the draft and now reinstating the biggest scumbag to play since Rae Carruth

” -- the_philster
rashanjr77
“

I just don't understand and maybe its just me but didn't the guy just spend almost 2 years of his life behind bars (oh yeah and without playing football too) He lost more than $70 million, he lost his freedom and he lost much of the respect of the American people. What did he do, had a dog fighting ring...he didn't kill anybody (Donte Stallworth, Leonard Little) and he has still pay again? Maybe its just me.

” -- rashanjr77

Comment »

Tags:

Michael Vick, Brett Favre

ESPN Conversation

Showing: 0 of 0 comments

0/1500

Member comments together with Member Names may be used on TV and other ESPN media platforms.

    Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

    SportsNation Feeds:
    Subscribe to SportsNation's RSS

    "SportsNation" on ESPN2!

    Watch "SportsNation" Monday-Friday at 4 p.m. and midnight ET on ESPN2 with Colin and Michelle!

    WE'RE OFF UNTIL MONDAY, NOV. 30! BUT KEEP SENDING US WEIRD WEB CLIPS!

    SPORTSNATION GRIDIRON CENTRAL

    Send us weird Web clips, vote on the best of the month and visit the archive.

    FEATURED FAN

    THIS WEEK'S CHATS

    Thursday, November 19 Friday, November 20Saturday, November 21Monday, November 23Tuesday, November 24
    Wednesday, November 25

    CHAT IN PROGRESS

    NASCAR with Terry Blount
    • Terry BlountKnock on doors at all the race shops and tell them you're avaliable. The problem is there are a lot of qualified people who have worked on good teams for year that don't have a job right now because so many teams have laid people off.
    • Teri (CA)Hey Terry ... do you see many more women in the sport these days (overall ... officials, team members, etc)?
    • Terry BlountThere certainly are more than there were five years ago and way more than there were 10 years ago. But it still isn't enough or where it should be.
    • Jolt (KC)Where do you see Dale Jr. finishing his Cup career at? Any chance of at Gibbs?

    Join our live chat »

    FEATURED GROUPS

    FEATURED PHOTOS

    GREATEST HITS ALBUM